Iran Sentences Couple to Torture for 'Threatening Public Health by Keeping a Cat'

An Iranian couple was sentenced to prison time and flogging for a series of charges, including "keeping a cat".

Niloufar Ghazaleh and Mohammad Ali Moghimi from the Isfahan province have been involved in a legal case with the judiciary which began last year, after Ghazaleh's car was stopped by police officers due to her "improper hijab".

The case escalated on Oct. 4 of last year, when police visited the couple's workplace in their village. Their lawyer, Milad Panahipour, stated that the visit resulted in a dispute over the entry permit and identification cards.

The couple presented a signed petition to the head of the Khur city judiciary on Oct. 5 of last year in which they denounced actions taken by law enforcement, Iranwire reported.

However, a defamation case was then levied against the couple. They were subsequently ordered to shut down their workplace and sentenced to torture and imprisonment.

Niloufar Ghazaleh was sentenced to "74 lashes for insulting a police officer, a fine of 240 million rials ($400) for insulting a conscript, 74 lashes for threatening officers, one year in prison and 74 lashes for disturbing public order, and another two years in prison for spreading false information," relayed Panahipour.

Mohammad Ali Moghimi was sentenced to a total of three years in prison: two years for "illegal removal of the closure seal" and one year for "threatening public health by keeping a cat."

One of the 9 charges levied against the couple was rejected by the appeals court. Panahipour reported that ultimately, Niloufar Ghazaleh must serve a one-year prison sentence, while her husband must serve a two-year prison sentence.